Project Design Using Soft Systems LO22868 -Seminar London

Jacqueline Eisenstadt (j.eisenstadt@open.ac.uk)
Wed, 13 Oct 1999 14:30:03 +0100

PROJECT DESIGN USING SOFT SYSTEMS
Dr Simon Bell and Dr Rosalind Armson of the Open University
15th November 1999
London

A one day intensive workshop for professionals in the public, private or
non-governmental sectors who have projects to design, targets to meet, or
project performance to enhance.

This event aims to provide participants with focus and command leadership
in specifying projects in tricky and difficult contexts. Aiming to produce
high quality results, the workshop gives transferable skills to you the
manager so that you can better design your projects to exceed your
targets. Better project design means prestige results and minimised risk.

Soft Systemss methodology (SSM) is an approach designed to provide
understanding of complex and messy situations as well as more formal and
stable environments. Making use of insightful devices - it provides the
manager with deep understanding of projects.

WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES

Using participants' own examples where appropriate, there will be a series
of activities focused on a cycle of front line tasks:

^À Developing the team (investigating team dynamics and skills),
^À Engaging in the context (getting a rich picture of what is going on),
^À Developing the vision (concerning the transformation the project is
expected to produce),
^À Specifying the tasks (creating a conceptual model of the way ahead)

OUTCOMES FROM THE DAY

Three core outcomes are expected for participants:

^À Enhanced capabilities in project design,
^À Increased capacity to plan in messy areas and
^À Extended ability to lead the project process

WHO SHOULD COME?

Any project manager in the public, private or non-governmental sectors who
wishes to improve performance. The workshop is interdisciplinary and cross
sectoral as this mix has proved to offer most opportunities for learning. We
ask that participants come prepared to work on a project of current
importance to themselves - or one that is planned.

SIMON BELL AND ROSALIND ARMSON

Dr. Simon Bell has over fifteen years experience of working with private,
public and non-governmental organisations all over the world. The author of
three books, he brings to this event his enthusiasm for transforming
ineffective processes.

Dr. Rosalind Armson has been a process consultant, facilitator and systems
practitioner for twenty years working with groups and individuals to improve
their practice in a wide variety of professional and personal contexts.

This workshop is the latest outcome of 25 years of successful education and
training.

LOCATION AND TIMES

The seminar is being held at the Open University Conference Centre, near
Kings Cross, London. (Directions will be available on registration.) The
day starts with check in and coffee at 9.30. and finishes at 5. 00 p.m.

FEES AND REGISTRATION

The fee for the seminar is £200, which includes lunch, refreshments and
documentation. Participant numbers are strictly limited. Places will not be
booked until registration is completed.
A limited number of bursaries are available for participants from the
non-profit sector. Details are available on request.
If you wish to attend please complete the accompanying registration form and
return with your fee or visa instructions to:

Jacqueline Eisenstadt
Centre for Complexity and Change
Technology Faculty
Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA.

tel: 01908 653528
fax: 01908 858407
email:
j.eisenstadt@open.ac.uk

Cancellation

If you have to cancel your registration, please note the following: if
cancellations are received in writing by 1st November, 90% of the fee will
be refunded. After that date the full amount is payable. However, if you are
unable to attend, substitutions are acceptable.

The organisers reserve the right to amend the programme if necessary.
To:
Jacqueline Eisenstadt
Technology Faculty
Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA.

REGISTRATION FORM: Soft Systems for project design

Please register a place at this seminar on 15 November 1999 for:

Name:
Company /organisation name:
Address:

Position:
Tel no:
Fax number:
email:

Payment:
Cheques should be made payable to The Open University (Systems Account) and
should accompany this application. If you wish to pay by visa please
complete the following details:

I wish to pay by credit card:

Name on card:
Address of Credit Card holder:
Access/Master card/Visa number: Expiry date:
Amount: £200
Signature: Date:

-- 

Jacqueline Eisenstadt <j.eisenstadt@open.ac.uk>

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